wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] Rights groups question Afghan journalist's 2-year

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Note #8985 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

05573
Oct. 24, 2005

Afghan journalist gets 2-year term
for blasphemy; U.S. groups object 

by Chris Herlinger
Ecumenical News International  

NEW YORK - Advocates of religious freedom have raised concerns about a two
year prison sentence meted out to an Afghan journalist convicted by a court
in his country for blasphemy against Islam.  
  
	Ali Mohaqiq Nasab, editor of Haqooq i Zan (?Women's Rights?), was
sentenced on Oct. 22 for articles upholding notions of equality between the
sexes and questioning harsh punishments - such as death by stoning - of
Muslims who convert to other religions.  
  
	The sentence was imposed on the recommendation of the Ulama Council,
a group of Islamic clerics. 

	Nasab was arrested earlier this month after a complaint was filed
against him by President Hamid Karzai?s adviser on religious affairs.  
  
	The case prompted the U.S. Commission on International Religious
Freedom, an independent body that makes policy recommendations to the U.S.
government, to express concern. The commission noted that the constitution
Afghanistan adopted in 2004 does not protect religious freedom or guarantee
protections against those accused of blasphemy or apostasy.  
  
	?Clearly, even today in Afghanistan, protections for human rights and
democracy remain under threat from state sponsored religious extremism,?
Michael Cromartie, the chairman of the U.S. group, said before Nasab?s
sentencing.  
  
	Cromartie said it is particularly disturbing that an adviser to
President Karzai ?began the process that led to Mr Nasab?s arrest.?

	?This case clearly puts to the test the Karzai government?s
commitment to protect human rights in accordance with its international
obligations, which are recognized in Afghanistan?s Constitution,? Cromartie
added.	 
  
	Two journalists? advocacy groups - the Afghanistan Independent
Journalists Association and the New York based Committee to Protect
Journalists - have criticized the actions taken against Nasab, who has said
he does not recognize the validity of the court or its decision.

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